Every time I post an ootd I consider it a work in progress. My wardrobe is an on going experiment. Sometimes I win, sometimes I laugh. I never want to come across as dictating: this is how something should be worn, this is what is fashionable, this is what YOU should buy. Each person that reads this blog has as much, no doubt more, fashion sense than I do. I love to hear your opinions. Don’t ever hesitate to leave me a comment offering ideas on how to improve or wear an outfit differently. A blog is nothing with out it’s community.
Looking back on old outfits of the day I often think, Ugh fail! My looks from last spring for example are way too sweet. I like a little edge in an outfit. Not necessarily spiky heels edge but something unexpected and off. Be it a retro flavor to an otherwise standard outfit or just bucking the old fashion matchy matchy rules.
Eventually the weather will warm up and I can break out last years spring items for reinterpretation. Before I do that though, I’d like to revisits some old ootds and find out how YOU would have wore it.
First up, J.Crew’s Portland cardigan and a denim swing skirt. Please leave me your ideas on how I can wear each item now (not necessarily together) or this Spring. I will use your ideas to put together some new outfits in the coming weeks 
I like the ’sweet’ look myself, so perhaps you wouldn’t love my interpretation, but here it is:
I would switch out the top for a pretty ruffled blouse (anthro anyone?!) and lose the belt at the skirt. I would switch out the heels for something neutral and more chunky/less delicate. The cardi could stay or be switched out for a shorter length cardi. Belt over the cardigan at the waist. (I have an outfit planned along these lines lol)
For now, I would take the skirt and a thick knit sweater and belt over the sweater. Add tights and a pair of boots. See this blogger for inspiration (she’s wearing an outfit like what I describe)
http://orchidgrey.blogspot.com/2009/09/daily-style_17.html
Thanks for the ideas Meli! I really like the chunky shoe suggestion. I have a pair of platform sandals I wanted to break out for spring. I love the thick knit too. I just started reading Orchidgrey’s blog. She has great style
Aw. This is such a sweet post, and I am flattered that you see your commenters as valuable members of a community to which you belong. Very cool.
So on to the assignment. With the Portland cardigan for spring: maybe try it belted over skinny jeans with a striped sleeveless shirt. I really like the idea of maybe a red and white striped tank top and black jeans with this, but you could also do other colors of stripes if you don’t want to mix ivory with white.
With the denim swing skirt I definitely see a neat mix when paired with a bold floral top. Not huge blossoms, because you’re so petite, but some good sizable ones on a dark colored background would be pretty great. Then if you threw a chunky knit bolero over that: it’s on!
I look forward to seeing what you come up with!
I love those shoes, so girly. I think that you can also add a big flower pin to your cardi and belt it. Skinny jeans with those shoes would also look fabulous.
Not commenting on your outfit, its great by the way. But can you change the black background on your main blog page? The contrast with the white type is intense and makes it hard to read. Sorry I am a designer and small white type on a black BG is a big no no (sorry). I love your blog but don’t want to feel dizzy. Try a dark gray Like the comment above (so much easier on the eye).
Jeanie
I agree with Meli22- I want something more going up ontop. Ruffles! Yay!
I hear ya on the whole “work in progress” thing. I dont’ know how many times I take pictures of myself and, being the hyper-critical person I can sometimes be, think, “Ugh. Wrong belt. Wrong shoes. Should have added a necklace. Oh, those low-rise jeans, what was I thinking?!” It happens all the time. Which is why taking pictures of ourselves in outfits is one of those funny things- I was watching a makeover show and the host told the person getting the makeover to do that with her wardrobe, and I was like ha! I do that! AND IT HELPS! You see things so much differently in a picture versus a mirror, it’s amazing isn’t it?
I’m wearing my denim swing skirt with a boatneck stripe tee this spring – total nautical style!
Thanks for the outfit ideas ladies! Can’t wait to try them out!
Jeanie- The font is actually grey but I made it a little larger. Hopefully that’s better! I’d rather keep the bg black because it makes the pics pop